Cawdor Barracks "not fit for purpose" and WILL close after 2018

Cawdor Barracks WILL be closed the Defence Secretary announced today but not before 2018.

Fears for the future of the former Brawdy base have been growing as the Ministry of Defence faces tough decisions in light of budget cuts.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb had been making a strong case to retain the base near St Davids but the implementation of the Army Basing Plan, announced by Philip Hammond will move the 14th Signal Regiment from Pembrokeshire.

He told the House of Commons that Cawdor Barracks was no longer fit for purpose and the released site could be developed for job creation with the Welsh Government.

The plan will see the army returned from Germany over the next few years and reorganising it to deliver Army 2020.

Mr Crabb's "sensible representations" to Mr Hammond has resulted in an agreement to not moue the regiment from Cawdor Barracks before 2018 when they will move to St Athan near Cardiff.

A letter from the MoD states: "I am aware that there is a close affinity between the local community and the soldiers in Cawdor Barracks and we are grateful for the support provided by the people of Pembrokeshire.

"At some stage, not before 2018, the regiment will move to St Athan and Cawdor Barracks will become available for residential or commercial development; I know that you have been very keen to ensure that whatever happens to Cawdor Barracks, it is for the benefit of your constituents and your constituency. Whilst I appreciate the decision to move the regiment will be disappointing, I hope the delay of five years is helpful."

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Commenting after today’s statement by the Defence Secretary, Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, about the Army Basing Plan, Stephen Crabb MP said: "I am obviously very disappointed that the 14 Signals will be relocated from Cawdor Barracks to St Asaph in the Vale of Glamorgan as part of the Government's major investment at that site. An enormous bond of goodwill and friendship has developed between the people of Pembrokeshire and the Regiment over the 15 years that they have been based here, and the soldiers and their families will be greatly missed.

"Throughout that period questions have been raised about the suitability of the old RAF Brawdy base as a long term home for these electronic warfare specialists, and the decision has now been made to co-locate them alongside other military units at the large St Athans site. Despite making a strong case for retaining the Regiment in Pembrokeshire, we have to accept that these decisions have to be made on military grounds.

“I welcome the fact that the Minister has agreed to delay the Regiment’s move by five years following my representations. This does give adequate time for planning alternative uses of the Cawdor site and the military houses in Haverfordwest. But today's announcement is nevertheless disappointing.

"The Minister of State, Andrew Robathan MP, will be visiting Cawdor Barracks later in the spring with me to explore some of these alternative plans.”

“We estimate that around 250 Cawdor Barracks personnel and their families are based in Pembrokeshire at any one time. We can ill afford to lose them and the money they spend which helps boost the local economy.

“Today’s announcement also severs the historic link between this part of Pembrokeshire and the military which stretches back nearly 70 years

“Indeed during this time the base has been used by all three arms of the military – Army, Navy and Air Force.

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“We will be pressing the Government to help us look for alternative uses for the site.”

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Comments (14)

Why was Steven Crabbe denying all knowledge of this closure less than a month ago when it has been talked about for months - every time Mr. Crabbe was asked about it he claimed to have no knowledge of Brawdy closing.

Why was Steven Crabbe denying all knowledge of this closure less than a month ago when it has been talked about for months - every time Mr. Crabbe was asked about it he claimed to have no knowledge of Brawdy closing.rattlerdog

Why was Steven Crabbe denying all knowledge of this closure less than a month ago when it has been talked about for months - every time Mr. Crabbe was asked about it he claimed to have no knowledge of Brawdy closing.

Score: 0

happysmiles44444 says...3:13pm Tue 5 Mar 13

This was talked about when I served at the unit in 2001, how it hasn't happened before now is a mystery to me. Its too far away from any major transportation routes for fast response. The buildings are ALL falling down. Accommodation and work areas alike. In fact when I was there they told us we where not allowed into the work buildings if the wind was above 60 MPH (which happened in the winter months regularly due to the geography) To the best of my knowledge they have actually shut down the hangers and are forced to work outside year round. Haverfordwest is a hole of a town with nothing going for it. The biggest development was getting a McDonlads in the last 15 years. "An enormous bond of goodwill and friendship has developed between the people of Pembrokeshire and the Regiment over the 15 years that they have been based here" yeah that will be the only source of income being the soldiers that drop there pay packet in town every month.

This was talked about when I served at the unit in 2001, how it hasn't happened before now is a mystery to me.
Its too far away from any major transportation routes for fast response. The buildings are ALL falling down. Accommodation and work areas alike. In fact when I was there they told us we where not allowed into the work buildings if the wind was above 60 MPH (which happened in the winter months regularly due to the geography)
To the best of my knowledge they have actually shut down the hangers and are forced to work outside year round.
Haverfordwest is a hole of a town with nothing going for it. The biggest development was getting a McDonlads in the last 15 years.
"An enormous bond of goodwill and friendship has developed between the people of Pembrokeshire and the Regiment over the 15 years that they have been based here"
yeah that will be the only source of income being the soldiers that drop there pay packet in town every month.happysmiles44444

This was talked about when I served at the unit in 2001, how it hasn't happened before now is a mystery to me. Its too far away from any major transportation routes for fast response. The buildings are ALL falling down. Accommodation and work areas alike. In fact when I was there they told us we where not allowed into the work buildings if the wind was above 60 MPH (which happened in the winter months regularly due to the geography) To the best of my knowledge they have actually shut down the hangers and are forced to work outside year round. Haverfordwest is a hole of a town with nothing going for it. The biggest development was getting a McDonlads in the last 15 years. "An enormous bond of goodwill and friendship has developed between the people of Pembrokeshire and the Regiment over the 15 years that they have been based here" yeah that will be the only source of income being the soldiers that drop there pay packet in town every month.

Score: 0

neil p says...5:26pm Tue 5 Mar 13

Stick the county show up there, so Haverfordwest airfield can be used properly as I'll bet the national parks will scupper any potential leisure developments.

Stick the county show up there, so Haverfordwest airfield can be used properly as I'll bet the national parks will scupper any potential leisure developments.neil p

Stick the county show up there, so Haverfordwest airfield can be used properly as I'll bet the national parks will scupper any potential leisure developments.

Score: 0

quentin says...6:57pm Tue 5 Mar 13

Too remote for modern life, and will be even more so if Cardiff Airport gets the chop. No wonder all the kids (well the bright ones anyway) disappear. As corporal Frazer said "We're doooooooomed"

Too remote for modern life, and will be even more so if Cardiff Airport gets the chop. No wonder all the kids (well the bright ones anyway) disappear. As corporal Frazer said "We're doooooooomed"quentin

Too remote for modern life, and will be even more so if Cardiff Airport gets the chop. No wonder all the kids (well the bright ones anyway) disappear. As corporal Frazer said "We're doooooooomed"

Score: 1

pinkcat says...7:27pm Tue 5 Mar 13

I have to agree with the above posts - Haverfordwest is finished - there is no future for our children - there is nothing to do, and as for being the county town, well thats just embarassing. The best thing that should happen is that the county council gets a massive shake up and some new blood from away brought in - they are the most corrupt set of people that I have ever known and are doing the town no favours whatsoever. I forecast the town will become a ghost town in 10 years - there are no jobs and no prospects.

I have to agree with the above posts - Haverfordwest is finished - there is no future for our children - there is nothing to do, and as for being the county town, well thats just embarassing. The best thing that should happen is that the county council gets a massive shake up and some new blood from away brought in - they are the most corrupt set of people that I have ever known and are doing the town no favours whatsoever. I forecast the town will become a ghost town in 10 years - there are no jobs and no prospects.pinkcat

I have to agree with the above posts - Haverfordwest is finished - there is no future for our children - there is nothing to do, and as for being the county town, well thats just embarassing. The best thing that should happen is that the county council gets a massive shake up and some new blood from away brought in - they are the most corrupt set of people that I have ever known and are doing the town no favours whatsoever. I forecast the town will become a ghost town in 10 years - there are no jobs and no prospects.

Score: 1

keithg1605 says...8:04pm Tue 5 Mar 13

Its a shame for Pembrokeshire and a sad loss, however we can still be proud of what all the soldiers and previously airmen who have been stationed there have done for our country.

Its a shame for Pembrokeshire and a sad loss, however we can still be proud of what all the soldiers and previously airmen who have been stationed there have done for our country.keithg1605

Its a shame for Pembrokeshire and a sad loss, however we can still be proud of what all the soldiers and previously airmen who have been stationed there have done for our country.

Score: 0

quentin says...9:56pm Tue 5 Mar 13

Sorry Frazer; you were only a private.

Sorry Frazer; you were only a private.quentin

Sorry Frazer; you were only a private.

Score: 0

Welshman23 says...7:22am Wed 6 Mar 13

Sad day I agree with all the posts Brawdy has been rescued from closure on a number of occasions lets now see what the local authority can create a decent plan to re generate Haverfordwest and create jobs in the long term.

Sad day I agree with all the posts Brawdy has been rescued from closure on a number of occasions lets now see what the local authority can create a decent plan to re generate Haverfordwest and create jobs in the long term.Welshman23

Sad day I agree with all the posts Brawdy has been rescued from closure on a number of occasions lets now see what the local authority can create a decent plan to re generate Haverfordwest and create jobs in the long term.

Score: 0

Welshman23 says...7:25am Wed 6 Mar 13

Mr Crabbe comment the are moving to St Athan NOT St Asaph

Mr Crabbe comment the are moving to St Athan NOT St AsaphWelshman23

Mr Crabbe comment the are moving to St Athan NOT St Asaph

Score: 0

Kiwitaff says...10:04pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Very sad Pembs CC have got to come up with a plan as a matter of urgency to try and attract businesses into the county. There is a danger that the future will be bleak and the only option for young people will be to move away if they want a reasonable standard of living. What statement has BPJ made? No comment as usual.

Very sad Pembs CC have got to come up with a plan as a matter of urgency to try and attract businesses into the county.
There is a danger that the future will be bleak and the only option for young people will be to move away if they want a reasonable standard of living.
What statement has BPJ made? No comment as usual.Kiwitaff

Very sad Pembs CC have got to come up with a plan as a matter of urgency to try and attract businesses into the county. There is a danger that the future will be bleak and the only option for young people will be to move away if they want a reasonable standard of living. What statement has BPJ made? No comment as usual.

Score: 0

Welshman23 says...11:42am Fri 8 Mar 13

Kiwitaff wrote…

Very sad Pembs CC have got to come up with a plan as a matter of urgency to try and attract businesses into the county. There is a danger that the future will be bleak and the only option for young people will be to move away if they want a reasonable standard of living. What statement has BPJ made? No comment as usual.

Who is BJP does he exist or is he in hiding with Lord Lucan and Shergar. Only joking I think he is paid more than the PM look at Caerphilly they have called the police to investigate, food for thought.

[quote][p][bold]Kiwitaff[/bold] wrote:
Very sad Pembs CC have got to come up with a plan as a matter of urgency to try and attract businesses into the county.
There is a danger that the future will be bleak and the only option for young people will be to move away if they want a reasonable standard of living.
What statement has BPJ made? No comment as usual.[/p][/quote]Who is BJP does he exist or is he in hiding with Lord Lucan and Shergar.
Only joking I think he is paid more than the PM look at Caerphilly they have called the police to investigate, food for thought.Welshman23

Kiwitaff wrote…

Very sad Pembs CC have got to come up with a plan as a matter of urgency to try and attract businesses into the county. There is a danger that the future will be bleak and the only option for young people will be to move away if they want a reasonable standard of living. What statement has BPJ made? No comment as usual.

Who is BJP does he exist or is he in hiding with Lord Lucan and Shergar. Only joking I think he is paid more than the PM look at Caerphilly they have called the police to investigate, food for thought.

Score: 0

Bushwacker2011 says...7:51pm Fri 8 Mar 13

I dont see where BPJ comes into this, I thought this was an MOD issue!!

I dont see where BPJ comes into this, I thought this was an MOD issue!!Bushwacker2011

I dont see where BPJ comes into this, I thought this was an MOD issue!!

Score: 0

Welshman23 says...7:21pm Sat 9 Mar 13

Bushwacker2011 wrote…

I dont see where BPJ comes into this, I thought this was an MOD issue!!

As the leader of our council we rely on Jamie Adams to make comments it would be nice to get the support of the BPJ with concrete ideas on how to create the loss of jobs and the amount of money spent in Pembrokeshire by Brawdy people.

[quote][p][bold]Bushwacker2011[/bold] wrote:
I dont see where BPJ comes into this, I thought this was an MOD issue!![/p][/quote]As the leader of our council we rely on Jamie Adams to make comments it would be nice to get the support of the BPJ with concrete ideas on how to create the loss of jobs and the amount of money spent in Pembrokeshire by Brawdy people.Welshman23

Bushwacker2011 wrote…

I dont see where BPJ comes into this, I thought this was an MOD issue!!

As the leader of our council we rely on Jamie Adams to make comments it would be nice to get the support of the BPJ with concrete ideas on how to create the loss of jobs and the amount of money spent in Pembrokeshire by Brawdy people.

Score: 0

Kiwitaff says...3:17am Sun 10 Mar 13

As a matter of interest. How does BPJ spend his days to justify his huge salary. The Prime Minister who apparently earns less has to inform the general public what he is trying to achieve and what the Government is trying to do to assist business and create jobs. There seems little evidence on the PCC web site that BPJ actually exists and does not explain how he spends his days. It seems that Pembrokeshire has suffered most from cuts in defence expenditure with the loss of opportunities for young people to get into apprenticeships and administrative jobs.

As a matter of interest. How does BPJ spend his days to justify his huge salary. The Prime Minister who apparently earns less has to inform the general public what he is trying to achieve and what the Government is trying to do to assist business and create jobs.
There seems little evidence on the PCC web site that BPJ actually exists and does not explain how he spends his days.
It seems that Pembrokeshire has suffered most from cuts in defence expenditure with the loss of opportunities for young people to get into apprenticeships and administrative jobs.Kiwitaff

As a matter of interest. How does BPJ spend his days to justify his huge salary. The Prime Minister who apparently earns less has to inform the general public what he is trying to achieve and what the Government is trying to do to assist business and create jobs. There seems little evidence on the PCC web site that BPJ actually exists and does not explain how he spends his days. It seems that Pembrokeshire has suffered most from cuts in defence expenditure with the loss of opportunities for young people to get into apprenticeships and administrative jobs.

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